Entries for the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Gr1PA) to be run at Chelmsford City racecourse on Saturday 12th August, were published yesterday by the Arabian Racing Organisation (ARO). At the first entry stage the list includes an exciting range of up and coming young horses such as recent French Derby second Ahzar, and two course winners in Naishaan and Alazeez. The proven older horses include Kalino, the winner of the 2015 HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (Gr1 PA), which, with a prize fund of €1.2 million Euros, is the world’s richest Arabian horse race.

This race is the highlight of HH Sheikh Mansoor Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival events in the UK, which for the first time will be run as part of a full evening of Purebred Arabian racing at Chelmsford City racecourse. The Group 1 contest, with a £80,000 prize fund will be supported by the two HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak World Championship (IFAHR) series races for Lady and Apprentice riders as well as a further three Wathba Stud Farm Cup races. Staged as part of Chelmsford’s successful music night series, the event will conclude with live music from UB40.

Gemma Cobb, Arabian Racing Organisation Racing Operations Executive said: “This is the first time we have held the HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup at Chelmsford City and it is also the first Group 1 event that the racecourse has hosted.

“ARO is extremely grateful for the continued support of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival and Lara Sawaya. I am looking forward to seeing top quality Arabian racing at this track, as our meetings have always been very well received by the local racegoers.”